Leg elevating device, system, and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes devices, methods, and systems for leg elevation. The leg elevating device includes a leg support platform, a base platform positioned adjacent the leg support platform, and a first and second lift positioned between and coupled to the leg support platform and the base platform. The leg support platform can have a first horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a first position, an angled position relative the base platform when the first lift is in a second position and the second lift is in the first position, and a second horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a second position. Also, the leg support platform can be a predetermined height above a floor surface when in the first horizontal position, such that the leg elevating device is locatable under furniture.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to leg elevating devices,systems, and methods, in particular, a device, system, or method toelevate the legs from an angled position to a horizontal position.

BACKGROUND

Movement of limbs can be challenging for persons with disabilities, theelderly, or persons recovering from recent surgery when those personstransfer from one location to another, whether independently orassisted. For example, in the case of persons with mobility impairments,it is often quite difficult to get into and out of a bed withoutassistance.

Several efforts have been made to alleviate the problem associated withgetting into and out of a bed without assistance. For example, devicesequipped with a hoop and pulley-system have been developed so that aperson can put their feet into the hoop and pull their legs to bedlevel. Similar devices are also available where the hoop is attached toa rod so that the person can put their foot into the hoop and pull therod up so that the foot is level with the bed. These devices, however,have drawbacks such as limited portability in the case of the pulleysystem, and limited physical capabilities of the person operating thedevice in the case of the rod and hoop system. Additionally, in bothcases the devices require upper and lower body strength to pull the legsupwards to bed level. In cases where persons are disabled or recoveringfrom recent surgery, the persons may not have the strength necessary tooperate the devices.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a portable leg elevatingdevice for lifting the legs of a person without requiring substantialupper and lower body strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C and 1E illustrate a plan view of one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the legsupport platform according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a plan view of one embodiment according to thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3E show a top view of embodiments according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of one embodiment according to thepresent disclosure including a second leg support platform.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of one embodiment according to thepresent disclosure including a second leg support platform.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For persons with disabilities, it is often difficult to get into and outof a bed without assistance. In particular, it can be difficult for aperson to lift their legs into the bed when that person has limitedupper and lower body strength. Embodiments of the present disclosureprovide various devices, methods, and systems for elevating the legs ofan individual to assist the individual when getting into and out of abed.

In some embodiments, a leg elevating device includes a leg supportplatform, a base platform, and a first and second lift. In suchembodiments the base platform can be positioned adjacent the leg supportplatform and the first and second lift can be positioned between andcoupled to the leg support platform and the base platform. In addition,in various embodiments the leg support platform can have a firsthorizontal position relative the base platform when the first lift andsecond lift are in a first position, an angled position relative thebase platform when the first lift is in a second position and the secondlift is in the first position, and a second horizontal position relativethe base platform when the first lift and second lift are in the secondposition. Also, the leg elevating device can move between the firsthorizontal position, the angled position, and the second horizontalposition such that while in the first horizontal position, the legsupport platform can be at a predetermined height above a floor surfacesuch that the leg elevating device is locatable under furniture.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in relationto the accompanying drawings, which will at least assist in illustratingthe various features of the various embodiments.

In the Figures, the first digit of a reference number refers to theFigure in which it is used, while the remaining two digits of thereference number refer to the same or equivalent parts of embodiment(s)of the present disclosure used throughout the several figures of thedrawing. The scaling of the figures does not represent precisedimensions and/or dimensional ratios of the various elements illustratedherein.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an elevation plan view of some embodiments of aleg elevating device 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1Aillustrates an embodiment of the leg elevating device 100 where the legsupport platform 102 is in the first horizontal position 103, FIG. 1Billustrates an embodiment of the leg elevating device 100 where the legsupport platform 102 is in an angled position 105, and FIG. 1Cillustrates an embodiment of the leg elevating device 100 when the legsupport platform 102 is in the second horizontal position 107.

In some embodiments the leg support platform 102 can be formed of aplastic material. For example, the leg support platform 102 can beformed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density poly ethylene (HDPE),low density polyethylene (LDPE), and/or Polyethylene Terephthalate(PETE). Other materials for the leg support platform 102 are alsopossible. For example, in one embodiment, the leg support platform 102can be formed of metal, metal-alloy, wood, glass, and/or ceramic.

In some embodiments, the leg support platform 102 can be in the shape ofa square. In various embodiments the leg support platform 102 can haveother shapes including, but not limited to, rectangular, circular,ovular, diamond-shaped, and/or triangular. In addition, embodiments ofthe leg support platform 102 can have various dimensions. In someembodiments, the leg support platform 102 has a length and a widthapproximately equal to twenty-four (24) inches, and a heightapproximately equal to one (1) inch. The leg support platform 102 canalso have other lengths and widths, as discussed herein.

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the leg support platform102. In some embodiments, the leg elevating device can include a layerof material 115 attached to the leg support platform 102 that can beused to cushion the leg support platform 102 and/or to provide foreasily identifiable leg placement markers 117 for the user. For example,the layer of material 115 can be U-shaped to provide a place for bothlegs. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the layer of material 115can include two separate leg placement markers 117 to provide a placefor each individual leg. In such embodiments, the leg placement markers117 can show the user where to place their legs before using the legelevating device 100.

In some embodiments, the layer of material 115 can have a thicknessranging from one-half (0.5) inch to three (3) inches. Embodiments of thelayer of material 115 can be formed of such materials as polyurethanememory foam, Styrofoam, and/or rubber, among other materials. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the layer of material 115 can alsoinclude a moisture-proof covering to protect the layer of material 115and/or to increase its durability.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, in some embodiments the leg elevatingdevice 100 can include a base platform 104. In such embodiments, thebase platform 104 can be positioned adjacent the leg support platform102. Embodiments of the base platform 104 can be formed of severaldifferent materials. For example, the base platform 104 can be formed ofmetal, metal-alloy, plastic, and/or wood, among other materials. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the base platform 104 can have a length109 ranging from twenty (20) inches to forty (40) inches and a height111 ranging from one-half (0.5) inch to two (2) inches. Also, in someembodiments, the base platform 104 can include a receiving member toreceive a retractable handle to increase the portability of the legelevating device 100, as discussed herein.

In addition, in various embodiments, the base platform 104 can includeat least one wheel 106 coupled to the base platform 104 to make the leglifting device 100 easily movable and/or portable. In some embodiments,the base platform can include at least four wheels 106 coupled to thebase platform 104. In some embodiments, the wheels 106 can be in theform of a caster assembly where a small wheel 106 has the ability toswivel and is coupled to the base platform 104 to make the leg elevatingdevice 100 easy to move. In addition, in such embodiments, the wheels106 can include a brake mechanism 113 to lock the wheels 106 into place.

In some embodiments, the base platform 104 can include a location wherea handle 108 can be releasably and/or pivotably connected on one end 112of the base platform 104. In such embodiments, the handle 108 can beused to push and/or pull the leg elevating device 100 into position touse the leg elevating device 100. For example, the handle 108 can beused to position the leg elevating device 100 next to a bed. Tofacilitate the positioning of the leg elevating device 100 using thehandle, in some embodiments the handle 108 can move (e.g., pivot and/orrotate) relative the base platform 104 as shown with arrow 121.

Additionally, the handle 108 can be used to move the leg elevatingdevice 100 out of the way when the leg elevating device 100 is not inuse. For example, the handle 108 can be used to push and/or pull the legelevating device 100 to the head of a bed so that a user will notstumble on the leg elevating device 100 while getting out of a bed. Invarious embodiments, the handle 108 can also be used to lock and/orunlock the wheels 106 to fix the leg elevating device's 100 positioneither while in use and/or while the leg elevating device 100 is notbeing used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, in one embodiment, the handle 108 can beattached to the leg elevating device 100 at a site 110 on one end 112 ofthe base platform 104. In one embodiment, the handle 108 can bereleasably coupled to the base platform 104. As used herein, “site”refers to a place on the leg elevating device 100 where the handle 108can be releasably coupled to the leg elevating device 100. In variousembodiments, the handle 108 can be attached to the leg elevating device100 at a second end 114 of the leg elevating device 100. In someembodiments, the leg elevating device 100 can have more than one site110 where the handle 108 can be attached to the leg elevating device100.

The handle 108 can releasably couple to the leg elevating device 100 ina number of ways. For example, the handle 108 can releasably couple tothe leg elevating device 100 by providing a threaded opening in the baseplatform 104 and a complimentary threaded end on the handle 108. Otherways to releasably couple the handle 108 to the leg elevating device 100are also possible.

In one embodiment, the handle 108 can be a circular rod with a heightranging from thirty (30) inches to forty-two (42) inches. The handle 108can also have different cross-sectional shapes such as a square, oval,ellipse, or triangle. In addition, in some embodiments the handle 108can be formed of a metal, metal-alloy, glass, wood, plastic, or thelike. The handle 108 can also be formed of different materials.

FIG. 1E illustrates an elevational plan view of an embodiment of the legelevating device 100 according to the present disclosure. In someembodiments, the front wheels 119 positioned near the second lift 118can be coupled to a lockable bracket 121. In some embodiments, thelockable bracket 121 can pivot around a pivot point so that the frontwheels 119 move from a first wheel position 123 to a second wheelposition 125. In some embodiments, the first wheel position 123 can bewhen the front wheels 119 are underneath the base platform 104. In someembodiments, the second wheel position 125 can be when the front wheels119 are adjacent the base platform 104. In some embodiments, the backset of wheels 131 can be coupled to the base platform 104 such that theback set of wheels 131 are of approximately equal height to the frontset of wheels 119 when in the first position 123.

As illustrated in FIG. 1E, when the front wheels 119 are in the secondwheel position 125 the leg elevating device 100 can be tilted so thatthe front wheels 119 support the weight of the leg elevating device 100,and the leg elevating device 100 is easily moveable.

As discussed herein, the handle 108 can move (e.g., pivot and/or rotate)relative the base platform 104. In some embodiments, the handle 108 canmove between an upright position where the handle 108 can beperpendicular the base platform, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, and ahorizontal position, as shown in FIG. 1E, where the handle 108 isparallel the base platform 104. In some embodiments, the handle 108 canbe retractable into a receiving member 127 positioned adjacent a baseplatform 104 member 129. In some embodiments, the handle 108 can beretracted into the receiving member 127 to at least one fixed positionwhen the handle 108 is in the horizontal position. In some embodiments,the handle 108 can be retracted completely into the receiving member 127to allow the leg elevating device 100 to be stored.

As discussed herein, a front set of wheels 119 can be coupled to alockable bracket 121 that pivots around a pivot point. In someembodiments, the leg elevating device 100 includes the front set ofwheels 119 coupled to the lockable bracket 121 and the handle 108 thatcan be retracted into a receiving member 127 when the handle 108 is in ahorizontal position. In some embodiments, when the front set of wheels119 are in the second position 125, the lockable bracket 121 can lockthe front set of wheels 119 into the second position 125, and the handle108 can be retracted to a fixed position in the receiving member 127. Asillustrated in FIG. 1E, in some embodiments, the leg elevating device100 can be portable, and can be transported between residences while auser is traveling.

In some embodiments, the leg elevating device 100 can include powerdriven wheels 106 (e.g., electrically powered) controlled via a remotecontrol device. In such embodiments, the driving mechanisms for thewheels 106 are typically electric motors actuated by servos, belts, andgears. Embodiments using power driven wheels 106 can move the legelevating device 100 so that it abuts the side of a bed while the legelevating device 100 is in the second horizontal position, making iteasier for the user to slide their lower legs directly onto a bed.

As discussed herein, the leg elevating device 100 can have a leg supportplatform 102 that moves between a first horizontal position 103, anangled position 105, and a second horizontal position 107. In oneembodiment, the leg support platform 102 is coupled to the base platform104 via a first lift 116 and a second lift 118. As used herein, “lift”refers to a device designed to raise something. In some embodiments, theleg elevating device 100 can include additional lifts. For example, ifthe leg elevating device were equipped with an additional leg supportplatform to lift the left leg and right leg separately, the additionalleg support platform could be moved between the horizontal and angledpositions using two additional lifts.

In addition, in some embodiments, the leg elevating device 100 caninclude additional lifts depending on the shape of the leg supportplatform 102. For example, in some embodiments, the leg support platform102 can have a circular shape. In this example, the leg elevating device100 can include four lifts positioned in a diamond shaped pattern sothat the leg support platform 102 is well-balanced from each side. Othercombinations of leg support platform 102 shapes and the number of liftsare also possible. In addition, the leg support platform 102 can alsovacillate in a controlled manner, using, for example, a hydraulic pumpcoupled to an electric motor. Other ways to control the vacillationmovement are also possible.

In some embodiments, the leg support platform 102 can be coupled to thefirst lift 116 and second lift 118 such that the leg support platform102 can vacillate around a center axis 133 of the leg support platform102 that runs between the first lift 116 and the second lift 118 of theleg support platform 102. In such embodiments, the leg support platform102 can be coupled to the first and second lift 116, 118 using hinges tolimit the range of vacillation of the leg support platform 102. Forexample, the hinges can allow for a side of the leg support platform 102to move downward one (1) inch, while the opposite side of the legsupport platform 102 moved upward one (1) inch. Other values for therange of vacillation are also possible. In some embodiments, the rangeof vacillation can depend on the depth of the leg placement marker onthe layer of material overlying the leg support platform 102, asdiscussed herein with respect to FIG. 1D. Other methods of coupling thefirst and second lift 116, 118 to allow for vacillation around a centeraxis 133 are also possible.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the first lift 116 and second lift 118can be coupled to the leg support platform 102 and the base platform104. In one embodiment, the first lift 116 and second lift 118 can becoupled to the leg support platform 102 using a mechanical linkagebetween the leg support platform 102 and each of the first lift 116 andsecond lift 118 independently. Embodiments using a mechanical linkageallow the leg support platform 102 to move from a first horizontalposition 103 as shown in FIG. 1A to an angled position 105 as shown inFIG. 1B. Therefore, in such embodiments, the mechanical linkage canallow the leg support platform 102 to move from an angle ofapproximately zero (0) degrees relative to the base platform 104 whenthe leg support platform is in the first horizontal position 103, to anangle of approximately forty-five (45) degrees relative to the baseplatform 104 when the leg support platform 102 is in the angled position105, and to an angle of approximately zero (0) degrees relative to thebase platform 104 when the leg support platform 102 is in the secondhorizontal position 107.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate various embodiments of the leg elevating device100 where the first and second lift 116, 118 can move from a firstposition as shown in FIG. 1A to a second position as shown in FIGS. 1Band 1C pneumatically. For example, the first and second lift 116, 118can include a pneumatic cylinder in each of the first lift 116 andsecond lift 118, capable of developing pneumatic pressure to support theleg support platform 102 at a desired height and angle. In addition, inthis embodiment, the first lift and second lift 116, 118 can includemeans for selectively releasing the pneumatic pressure and storing theresulting pneumatic fluid flow outside the pneumatic cylinder, allowingthe user to set the height of the first and second lift 116, 118, andthen locking the first and second lift 116, 118 into the intendedposition. In some embodiments, the pneumatic cylinders inside the firstand second lift 116, 118 can have a thirty (30) inch stroke and apushing force of approximately three hundred (300) pounds. In variousembodiments, hydraulic cylinders having a similar capability can beused.

In some embodiments, the leg elevating device 100 can include ahydraulic cylinder in each of the first and second lift 116, 118, asdiscussed herein, as well as a power system. For example, the hydrauliccylinder can be controlled by an electrically energized hydraulic powersystem including an electric motor 120 and control box 122 to cause thefirst and second lifts 116, 118 to move upwardly and downwardly from thefirst position to the second position, as discussed herein. Othercontrol and actuation systems can be used in various embodiments asdesired such as an electric motor without the use of hydraulic orpneumatic cylinders, for example.

In some embodiments, the electric motor 120 can be a motor powered by atleast one rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, a charger can beincluded with the leg elevating device 100, such that the charger can bereleasably coupled to the leg elevating device 100 to charge therechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the charger can be of anappropriate size to be locatable under furniture. In such embodiments,the leg elevating device 100 can be guided back to the charger using aremote device, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the legelevating device 100 can be programmed to return to the chargerautomatically when the at least one rechargeable battery reaches adefined lower limit of stored energy.

In some embodiments, the electric motor 120 can be a battery poweredmotor. Additionally, in various embodiments, the electric motor 120 canbe powered via an electrical connection to an electrical wall socket.Other types of motors can also be used.

As discussed herein, the leg support platform 102 can move from a firsthorizontal position 103, to an angled position 105, and to a secondhorizontal position 107 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. As shown in FIG.1A, when embodiments of the leg elevating device 100 are in the firsthorizontal position 103 the height 124 of the leg elevating device 100can range from four (4) inches to ten (10) inches. In variousembodiments, as the first lift 116 moves from the first position asshown in FIG. 1A to the second position as shown in FIG. 1B, the legsupport platform 102 goes from a first horizontal position 103 to anangled position 105 relative the base support platform 104.

As shown in FIG. 1B, embodiments of the leg elevating device 100 canhave a leg support platform 102 in an angled position. In someembodiments, the angle of the leg support platform 102 relative the baseplatform 104 can be in the range of thirty-five (35) degrees tofifty-five (55) degrees.

In some embodiments, the second lift 118 can move from a first position,as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to a second position, as shown in FIG. 1C.As the second lift 118 moves from first position to the second position,embodiments of the leg elevating device 100 can have the leg supportplatform 102 at the second horizontal position 107, as shown in FIG. 1C.In such embodiments, the height 124 of the leg elevating device 100 whenin the second horizontal position 107 can range from twenty-five (25)inches to thirty-five (35) inches. Embodiments, however, are not limitedto these examples.

In some embodiments, the leg elevating device 100 is configured to movefrom the first horizontal position 103 as shown in FIG. 1A to the angledposition 105, shown in FIG. 1B at a rate of about two (2) to three (3)degrees for every one (1) inch raised in height. Similarly, in someembodiments, the leg elevating device 100 can move from the angledposition 105, shown in FIG. 1B, to the second horizontal position 107,shown in FIG. 1C, at a rate of about two (2) to three (3) degrees forevery one (1) inch raised in height. In addition, in variousembodiments, the entire cycle time with which the leg elevating device100 can move from the first horizontal position 103, to the angledposition 105, to the second horizontal position 107, and back to thefirst horizontal position 103 can range from three (3) minutes to five(five) minutes. Exemplary speeds for the leg elevating device,therefore, can range from nine (9) inches per minute to thirty-one (31)inches per minute.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an elevation plan view of various embodiments ofa leg lifting device 200 according to the present disclosure. Asillustrated, in this embodiment the leg lifting device 200 includes aleg support platform 202, a base platform 204, a handle 208, and wheels206 as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the first and second lift216, 218 can be positioned between the leg support platform 202 and baseplatform 204 and coupled to the leg support platform 202 and baseplatform 204, as discussed herein. In such embodiments, the first andsecond lift 216, 218 can move from a first position to a second positionas shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 2A shows the first and second lift 216,218 in the first position and the leg support platform 202 in the firsthorizontal position 203. As the first lift 216 moves from the firstposition to the second position, as shown in FIG. 2B, embodiments of theleg elevating device 200 can include the leg support platform 202 in anangled position 205 relative the base platform 204. Additionally, as thesecond lift 218 moves from the first position to the second position, asshown in FIG. 2C, embodiments of the leg elevating device 200 caninclude the leg support platform 202 in a second horizontal position 207relative the base platform 204.

In some embodiments, the leg elevating device 200 can include ahydraulic cylinder 226 adjacent each of the first and second lifts 216,218. In such embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder 226 can be controlledby an electrically energized hydraulic power system including anelectric motor 220 and control box 222. Embodiments including anelectrically energized hydraulic power system can cause the first andsecond lifts 216, 218 to move horizontally on the base platform 204 tocause the leg support platform 202 to move upward and downward betweenthe first horizontal position 203, the angled position 205, and thesecond horizontal position 207, as discussed herein. Other control andactuation systems can also be used as desired such as a pneumaticsystem, for example. In addition, in some embodiments, the control andactuation systems can include rack-and-pinion systems and/ornut-and-spindle systems connected to an electric motor 220 and a controlbox 222.

In some embodiments, the first and second lifts 216, 218, the hydrauliccylinders 226, the electric motor 220, and the control box 222 areenclosed in a hard plastic shell to prevent damage to the mechanisms. Inaddition, the moving parts can be enclosed to prevent injury to the userand/or other individuals standing near the leg elevating device 200. Insome embodiments, the leg elevating device 200 including the plasticshell can have a weight in the range of five (5) to fifteen (15) pounds.In addition, in some embodiments, the leg elevating device 200 can beaccompanied by a traveling sleeve to protect the device during travel,and also to provide the user with some level of privacy whentransporting the leg elevating device 200 in public.

In some embodiments, the leg elevating device 200 can include a sensoron the base platform 204 inside the control box 220 to actuate themovement of the first lift 216 and second lift 218 from the firstposition to the second position. In such embodiments, a remote device215 can be used to actuate the base platform 204 sensor. Also, in someembodiments, the control box 220 can include a receiver to receive thesignal transmitted from the remote device 215.

In some embodiments, the remote device 215 can include a transmitter tosend a signal to the sensor on the base platform 204. As such, when thetransmitter in the remote device 215 is actuated, a signal can betransmitted to the sensor, indicating an activation of the remotedevice. Once the signal is received, the sensor can actuate the movementof the first lift 216 and second lift 218 from the first position to thesecond position. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured so thatthe first activation of the remote device 215 actuates the movement ofthe first lift 216 from the first position to the second position. Insuch embodiments, the second activation of the remote device 215 canthen actuate the movement of the second lift 218 from the first positionto the second position, and the third activation of the remote device215 can also then actuate the movement of the first and second lift 216,218 from the second position to the first position. Other movements canalso be controlled using the remote device, including other sequences ofmovements.

In some embodiments, the control box 220 can include a radio frequencyrange wireless receiver with an antenna for receiving a radio frequencyrange control signal from a transmitter in a remote device 215. In suchembodiments, the transmitter can be provided with an antenna foremitting radiation in the radio frequency range for reception by thereceiver. The receiver and the transmitter can both be of a typecommercially available and suitable for remote control operation for upto approximately twenty (20) feet operating range between thetransmitter and the receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver andtransmitter can communicate using infrared. In one embodiment, thecontrol box 220 is connected to the remote device 215 via a wire thatcan have a length ranging from three (3) feet to seven (7) feet.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate a top view of various embodiments of the legelevating device 300. The various leg support platforms 302 shown inFIGS. 3A-3E can be implemented as leg support platforms 102 and 202 inFIGS. 1 and 2. As discussed herein, the leg support platform 302 canhave various shapes and dimensions. In FIG. 3A, the leg support platform302 is a square platform. In this embodiment, the leg support platform302 can have a length and width 329 in the range of twelve (12) inchesto thirty (30) inches.

FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate additional embodiments of the leg supportplatform 302. FIG. 3B illustrates the leg support platform 102 having arectangular shape. Similarly, FIG. 3C illustrates the leg supportplatform 302 having a rectangular shape but with curved sides. The legsupport platform 302 can have a length 328 in the range of twenty (20)inches to thirty (30) inches, and a width 330 in the range of twelve(12) inches to twenty (20) inches.

In some embodiments, the leg support platform 302 can be in the shape ofa triangle, as shown in FIG. 3D. In such embodiments, the leg supportplatform 302 can have a length 328 in the range of twenty (20) inches tothirty (30) inches, and a height 334, 332 in the range of fourteen (14)inches to twenty-two (22) inches.

FIG. 3E is an illustration of an embodiment of the leg support platform302 with a circular shape. In such embodiments, the leg support platform302 can have a diameter 335 in the range of twelve (12) to thirty (30)inches.

Additionally, although the base platform 304 is shown in FIGS. 3A-3Dhaving a rectangular shape, in some embodiments the base platform 304can have a circular, triangular, oval, or polygonal shape. In addition,in some embodiments, the base platform 304 can have a different shapethan the leg support platform 302.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an embodiment of a leg support platform 402having a first component 436 and a second component 438 according to thepresent disclosure. In various embodiments, the first component 438 ofthe leg support platform 402 can be the leg support platform 102, 202,and 302 shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of anembodiment of the first component 436 and a second component 438 to theleg support platform 402. FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of anembodiment of the first component 436 and a second component 438 to theleg support platform 402. In some embodiments, the first component 436of the leg support platform 402 is fixed to the first and second lifts416, 418, as discussed herein, and a second component 438 to the legsupport platform 436 can rotate relative to the first component 436. Insuch embodiments, the user can place his or her legs onto the secondcomponent 438. Once the leg elevating device is in the second horizontalposition, the second component 438 can rotate so that the secondcomponent 438 is in a different position relative the first component436, and the user can then move his or her legs onto a bed.

In various embodiments, the second component 438 to the leg supportplatform 402 can be connected to the first component 436 of the legsupport platform 402. Embodiments including a second component 438 tothe leg support platform 402 can have the second component 438positioned above the first component 436 with a gap 439 between the twocomponents 436, 438.

As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the second component 438 tothe leg support platform 402 can be connected to the first component 436of the leg support platform 402. For example, the second component 438can be pivoted on turret 440 while the turret 440 remains fixed, e.g.,at a stationary location relative to the base platform of the legelevating device, in order to move the user's lower legs closer to abed. In various embodiments, the user can control the rotation of thesecond component 438 on turret 440 using a remote device. Embodimentsincluding a second component 438 rotated on turret 440 can use anelectric motor and actuators to move the second component 438. Inaddition, embodiments including a second component 438 can be configuredsuch that the gap 439 between the two components 436, 438 is maintainedwhile the leg elevating device is in use. In various embodiments, theleg elevating device can be designed to support at least three hundred(300) pounds on the second component 438 while maintaining the gap 439between the two components 436, 438.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment where the second component 438 hasbeen rotated on the turret 440 in a clockwise direction while the firstcomponent 436 remains stationary. In some embodiments, the secondcomponent 438 can be rotated on the turret 440 in a counterclockwisedirection while the first component 436 remains stationary. Theembodiments described in relation to FIGS. 4A and 4B can be incorporatedinto the leg elevating devices as described herein, including thosedescribed with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an embodiment of a leg support platform 502having a first component 536 and a second component 538 according to thepresent disclosure. FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of an embodiment ofthe first component 536 and a second component 538 to the leg supportplatform 502. FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of thefirst component 536 and a second component 538 to the leg supportplatform 502. In some embodiments, the first component 536 of the legsupport platform 502 is fixed to the first and second lifts 516, 518, asdiscussed herein, and a second component 538 can swing from the firstcomponent 536 using a swing arm 542 coupled to the first component 536of the leg support platform 502. In such embodiments, the user can placehis or her legs onto the first component 536. Once the leg elevatingdevice is in the second horizontal position, the second component 538can swing out so the user can move his or her legs over onto a bed.

In some embodiments, the swing arm 542 can be a telescoping arm. In someembodiments, the swing arm 542 can be formed of metal, metal-alloy,composite material, and/or plastic, among other materials. In addition,in various embodiments, the swing arm 542 can be formed such that it canwithstand up to at least a three hundred (300) pound force withoutbending.

In some embodiments, the second component 538 can be coupled to thefirst component 536 of the leg support platform 502. Embodimentsincluding a second component 538 can have the second component 538positioned below the first component 536. In various embodiments, thesecond component 538 can be connected to the first component 536 with aswing arm 542 that is capable of rotating at least one hundred eighty(180) degrees relative the first component 536 of the leg supportplatform 502. In addition, in such embodiments, the user can control therotation of the second component 538 using a remote device. Embodimentsincluding a second component 538 attached to a swing arm 542 can use anelectric motor and actuators to move the second component 538. Also,embodiments including a second component 538 positioned below the firstcomponent 536 can be designed so that the second component 538 can bepositioned between the first and second lifts 516, 518 and not interferewith the operation of the first and second lifts 516, 518.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment where the second component 538 hasbeen positioned (e.g., in a swing or rotating motion) at the right sideof the first component 536 using the swing arm 542 while the firstcomponent 536 remains stationary. In some embodiments, the secondcomponent 538 can be attached to the first component 536 on the rightside of the first component 536. The embodiments described in relationto FIGS. 5A and 5B can be incorporated into the leg elevating devices asdescribed herein, including those described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1Cand FIGS. 2A-2C.

In some embodiments, the leg elevating device can be equipped with morethan one leg support platform to enable the right and left leg of theuser to be lifted separately. In such embodiments, the first lift andsecond lift would work as discussed herein in that the first lift andsecond lift would move from a first position to a second position.However, the leg elevating device could also include a third lift and afourth lift, as discussed herein, to move from a first position to asecond position to enable the additional leg support platform to movefrom a first horizontal position, to an angled position, and to a secondhorizontal position, as discussed herein, separately from the originalleg support platform. In some embodiments, the leg elevating device canalso use more than two leg support platforms.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described in detail,changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scopeof the disclosure. As such, that which is set forth in the foregoingdescription and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustrationonly and not as a limitation. In addition, various features may havebeen grouped together in several embodiments for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of thedisclosure require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

1. A leg elevating device, comprising: a leg support platform; a baseplatform positioned adjacent the leg support platform; and a first liftand a second lift positioned between and coupled to the leg supportplatform and the base platform, wherein; the leg support platform has afirst horizontal position relative the base platform when the first liftand the second lift are in a first position, where the leg supportplatform is a predetermined height above a floor surface when in thefirst horizontal position, such that the leg elevating device islocatable under furniture; the leg support platform has an angledposition relative the base platform when the first lift is in a secondposition and the second lift is in the first position; and the legsupport platform has a second horizontal position relative the baseplatform when the first lift and second lift are in the second position.2. The leg elevating device of claim 1, where the first lift and secondlift include at least one hydraulic cylinder to move the first lift andsecond lift between the first position and the second position and thefirst lift and second lift include an electrical motor and an associatedcontrol system to control actuation of the at least one hydrauliccylinder.
 3. The leg elevating device of claim 1, where the legelevating device has a height not greater than ten (10) inches when inthe first horizontal position.
 4. The leg elevating device of claim 1,where the leg elevating device has a weight not greater than fifteen(15) pounds.
 5. The leg elevating device of claim 1, further including asecond leg support platform positioned adjacent the leg support platformand coupled to the leg support platform.
 6. The leg elevating device ofclaim 1, further including at least one wheel coupled to the baseplatform.
 7. The leg elevating device of claim 6, where a set of wheelspositioned near the second lift is coupled to a lockable bracket thatpivots around a pivot point, and where the lockable bracket can movebetween a first wheel position and a second wheel position.
 8. The legelevating device of claim 1, where the base platform includes a locationto releasably couple a handle to the base platform.
 9. The leg elevatingdevice of claim 8, where the handle can move between an upright positionand a horizontal position, where the handle is parallel the baseplatform when in the horizontal position.
 10. The leg elevating deviceof claim 9, where the handle is retractable into a receiving memberpositioned adjacent a base platform member to at least one fixedposition when in the horizontal position.
 11. The leg elevating deviceof claim 1, where the leg support platform can be moved from the secondhorizontal position directly to the first horizontal position by movingthe first lift and second lift from the second position to the firstposition approximately simultaneously.
 12. A method of manufacture,comprising: forming a leg support platform; forming a base platformpositioned adjacent the leg support platform; forming a first lift and asecond lift and positioning the first lift and the second lift betweenthe leg support platform and the base platform; coupling the first liftand the second lift to the leg support platform and the base platformwherein; the leg support platform has a first horizontal positionrelative the base platform when the first lift and the second lift arein a first position, where leg support platform is a predeterminedheight above a floor surface when in the first horizontal position, suchthat the leg elevating device is locatable under furniture, the legsupport platform has an angled position relative the base platform whenthe first lift is in a second position and the second lift is in thefirst position; and the leg support platform has a second horizontalposition relative the base platform when the first lift and the secondlift are in the second position.
 13. The method of claim 12, includingcoupling the first lift and the second lift to the leg support platformand the base platform such that the leg support platform can vacillatearound a longitudinal axis of the leg support platform.
 14. The methodof claim 12, further including: releasably coupling a wheel and a handleto the base platform, where the handle extends from the base platform ina direction perpendicular to the base platform, and; programming the legelevating device to move the wheels via a remote device.
 15. The methodof claim 12, including moving the first and second lift from the firstposition to the second position via a remote device.
 16. A leg elevatingsystem, comprising: a leg support platform; a base platform positionedadjacent the leg support platform; a first lift and a second liftpositioned between and coupled to the leg support platform and the baseplatform, wherein; the leg support platform has a first horizontalposition relative the base platform when the first lift and the secondlift are in a first position, where the leg support platform is apredetermined height above a floor surface when in the first horizontalposition, such that the leg elevating device is locatable underfurniture; the leg support platform has an angled position relative thebase platform when the first lift is in a second position and the secondlift is in the first position; and the leg support platform has a secondhorizontal position relative the base platform when the first lift andsecond lift are in the second position; a base platform sensor toactuate the movement of the first lift and second lift from the firstposition to the second position; and a remote device to actuate the baseplatform sensor.
 17. The leg elevating system of claim 16, where theremote device includes a transmitter actuated when a remote devicesensor is activated for transmitting a signal indicative of anactivation of the remote device sensor to the base platform sensor, andthe remote device sensor transmits the signal indicative of anactivation of the remote device sensor using a wireless signal.
 18. Theleg elevating system of claim 17, where the base platform sensorincludes a receiver for receiving the signal indicative of an activationof the remote device and the base platform sensor actuates the movementof the first lift and second lift from the first position to the secondposition when the receiver receives the signal indicative of anactivation of the remote device.
 19. The leg elevating system of claim16, where the remote device includes a remote device sensor to transmita signal indicative of an activation of the remote device sensor to thebase platform sensor, and the remote device and the base platform sensorare connected with a wire.
 20. The leg elevating system of claim 16,further including a motor powered by at least one rechargeable batteryand a charger releasably coupled to the at least one rechargeablebattery, where the charger is locatable under furniture.